The Free State Health Department's spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, told OFM News that the hospital is ready to move mental health patients out of the medical ward where medical patients have been mixed with mental health patients. Mvambi says the identified ward will now be used specifically for psychiatric patients and will ensure that all patients and staff are safe.

“The modification of the ward in Pelonomi is now complete. We couldn’t take occupation today due to the smell of paint, because the people have worked over the weekend to install the burglar proofs, fix the walls, and do every other thing that needed to be done to upgrade the unused space into an acceptable ward that patients can move into. So patients will be moved in on Wednesday when that smell of paint will be gone, and all other safety measures and safety of occupancy would be guaranteed.”

OFM News previously reported that the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein is reportedly adjusting facilities to make it suitable to accommodate mental health patients.

The Free State Department of Health has reportedly requested three weeks to resolve issues regarding the treatment of psychiatric patients at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi